Hi, new poster here and straight in with a request for help:

My 2001 X-Type 2.5 has just started running really rough at idle, won't rev cleanly below 2000rpm, no power etc. It was fine one day then not the next. Dealer says that there are some TSBs relating to this and that the ECU needs a re-flash. Has anyone got full details of this, or has similar problems? I have had a look at the TSB summaries and there are various ones that seem relevant, but no details.

Help !!!!!

Cheers,
Chris.

 

We need a bit more information, but the key factor is the fact it was OK one day and not the next.

The most difficult challenge for the ECU is to detect and hold the engine at idle. So many other things can upset the ability of the engine to run smoothly. I'm assuming that something has been deteriorating for some time because of high mileage. For example:

Carbon build up on the intake manifold (variable tract length) butterflies so that they stick. The engine receives airflow through one or both tracts at the wrong rpm and the ECU doesn't compensate for this.

Crankcase vent blockage or failure. Check the rubber pipe that runs across the top of the engine - it rubs on the aircleaner box on the rearward curved holding lip and can split the pipe at that point.

If the natural idle speed is fast (say 2500 rpm) you have an intake manifold / intake system air leak. The ECU may not be able to compensate for this.

The engine has an electronic throttle (i.e no cable between the pedal and the engine). A failure of the throttle potentometer, or a worn contact can cause havoc. You can test this by checking with a multimeter for resistance across the pot.

A chafing of an engine related wire causes a poor earth (ground). Get a spare piece of wire and make your own earth between the engine and the battery negative terminal / bodyshell - does it make a difference?

Of course it could be a faulty ECU, but it seems strange it was OK one day and not so good the next.

As you can see a wide variety of ideas - and I have more. So please describe the mileage and use of the car, how it drove beforehand (any problems or quirks) and the exact symptoms now. Then hopefully we can narrow down your problems.

 

You mightwant to see what's in my big book of automotive exotics.....

Its the Detroit motor show next week - if I get some exciting pictures (especially of girls in Toyota Camrys) I'll send them to you.

 

i am going as soon as it opens also.. anyone want to make a plan to meet.?

 

Thanks for all the replies so far. The battery is currently disconnected as I have the inlet manifold off & it's getting a set of plugs, oil, air & fuel filters. There are 2 fault codes present; P0171 and P0174 which mean it's running lean on both banks of cylinders. The *really* strange thing is that it honestly was running fine one day & not the next. If I hadn't been there personally I would find it hard to believe. The Mrs got in it to move it off the drive, started fine, reversed off, I moved my car, she drove back on & switched the engine off. Next day she comes to start it & it starts but then runs rough as hell, no power, misfire etc & stalls when she tries to move it. I have started it & it's run rough then cleared, then rough again. Totally intermittent & just feels like fuel starvation to me.

I have the JTIS CD and it could be anything from blocked fuel filter to any one of the "fuel charging and control" systems.

Cheers,
Chrisall.

 

I agree with the comment about poor fuel - had you recently filled it up?

As for air in the system, I think there should be a Shraeder valve connection somewhere to allow you to purge it.

As for fuel starvation, well there are many suggestions which I'm sure you already know (i.e is the cap relief valve plugged with crap, has it only occurred when the tank is really, really empty and you've sucked crud from the bottom of the tank into the system, is the filter plugged, etc etc).

The X type has a saddle tank with no cross flow pipe (as far as I can see). So if you live on a hill / park on a steep slope, the crud can preferentially settle into one side of the saddle, which will also be the last side to draw fuel when you're really empty.

There is a known engine ECU calibration condition called "start - run - stall" that afflicted certain vehicles in the 1990's when you reversed out of the garage and then went into the house to collect something. This is such a well known fault that I personally doubt if it is present in the X type calibration.

I hope that this helps. Graham

 

I don't know about the fuel quality but I did press the schrader valve on the fuel rail & fuel came out, not air. I have driven it whilst running rough & it occasionally clears & runs fine then other times it runs *really* rough, won't rev, check engine light flashes & the display shows 'Cruise Not Available'. I presume this is because it sometimes goes into 'limp home' mode? The dealer did say that when he tested it he got intermittent P1611 codes, which are 'Concern with PCM', however when I checked I only got the 2 lean ones. Dealer recommends doing the service & then re-flash the ECU. I am doing the service the moment (waiting for plugs) so will post back once the car is running again.

Thanks guys,
Chris.

 

Update - it's fixed !!!

Got the car back from the dealers last week. After everything the problem was tracked down to contaminated fuel. Apparently ours was the 4th car that they had come across, all of which had fuel in them from the same garage. 2 of the other cars were ones that the dealers had sold, one of them being brand new. They drained the fuel & cleaned the injectors - runs perfect now. I have to compliment Rybrook in Warrington, they were absolutely fantastic & kept the cost to within buget, car was valeted afterwards etc. Brilliant service.

Cheers,
Chris.